All Forum Posts by: Jake Baker

@David Robert

Severe nicotine damage can require extensive cleaning, sealing, and even replacing drywall or HVAC ductwork. Get a firm quote before committing.

If appreciation is low, ensure rents are strong enough to justify the effort. Market Appreciation is the least predictable, but historically, where you will make the most money. So I prefer to have more of that in the deal.

@Nicholas A.

I wouldn't sign that they ask you once you identify the property

I agree with @Patrick Drury about Columbus. I have a few clients that are doing exceptionally well there. 

@Dayana García

We still BRRRR in Jacksonville. The BRRRR is alive and well. However, it is not what it used to be. "Perfect BRRRRs" are rare nowadays. That doesn't mean you shouldn't BRRRR. I see it as a complimentary strategy to pull some of your money back out and hedge your bet

@Shaun Ortiz

The BRRRR is alive and well. However, it is not what it used to be. "Perfect BRRRRs" are rare nowadays. That doesn't mean you shouldn't BRRRR. It is a complimentary strategy to pull some of your money back and hedge your bet. I have changed my rental strategy to Co-Living (rent by the room).

@Juliann Morala

A GC is suitable for estimating rehab costs, but consider hiring a property manager or investor-friendly realtor for unbiased opinions.

Video Walkthrough – Have them record a wide-angle video of the interior and exterior to capture the whole condition.

Floor Plan Mapping – Use an app like MagicPlan to create a detailed floor plan with measurements.

Major Systems Check – Roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—any red flags?

@Travis Gutting

Assuming you are trying to keep things low-budget, here are some options:

Driving for Dollars – Look for distressed properties and contact owners directly. Apps like DealMachine can help, but a simple spreadsheet works too.

Networking – Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and real estate agents. Free meetups and BiggerPockets forums are great for this.

Cold Calling & Door Knocking – If you’re willing to hustle, contact absentee owners or landlords with vacant properties.

Hi @Michael Thyssen

I'm happy to take a look at your books.

@Alec Jacobs

I often recommend Relay to my clients. It’s designed for small businesses and landlords, allowing you to create multiple accounts for rent deposits, maintenance, and taxes. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks, making bookkeeping much more straightforward.

Whichever account you choose, look for one with no monthly fees, online banking, and features like automatic bill pay. These small conveniences can save you time and money in the long run.

For rent collection, you can try Rent.app, which is easy for tenants to use and keeps everything streamlined. Alternatively, if you’re using QuickBooks Online with a plan that includes the "Payments" feature, you can collect rent directly through QuickBooks while staying on top of your bookkeeping

@Amir Portal

Fort Worth (Southside): Affordable entry points with growing rental demand due to development and school proximity.

Arlington: A solid mix of price points and strong rental potential, especially near UT Arlington or entertainment districts.

Focus on areas with rising population growth, job opportunities, and low vacancy rates. I’d recommend connecting with an investor-friendly agent in DFW to find off-market deals or fixer-uppers within your budget.